Research on tobacco, smoking, and quitting. Covers vaping trends, the social side of smoking, headache links, and cessation methods.
A new study finds that e-cigarettes are expanding tobacco product use among youth, particularly those at low risk of starting with cigarettes. The researchers analyzed survey data from over 140,000 middle and high school students and found no evidence that e-cigarettes have caused a decline in youth smoking
The James Bond series has conspicuously absent smoking-related imagery in only one film since its debut in 1962, according to a recent analysis published in Tobacco Control. Despite Bond himself no longer smoking, he is still exposed to second-hand smoke through his sexual partners and other characters.
A new study found that viewing vape pen use increases the urge to smoke in young adults, similar to watching someone smoke a cigarette. The study's results suggest that vape pens can be a potent trigger for smoking, despite their design differences from traditional cigarettes.
A study analyzing Instagram data reveals a growing trend of hookah use in social settings and nightlife establishments. The research found that promotional material on social media is driving the increase in hookah use, often paired with alcohol consumption.
The National Commission on Prevention Priorities has released updated rankings for clinical preventive services, highlighting the most effective and cost-effective options. The top three services include immunizing children, tobacco-use screening, and alcohol misuse screening, with scores of 10 out of a possible 10.
Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke even before conception appears to impair fetal brain development throughout pregnancy, damaging regions involved in learning and memory. The impact was most severe with exposures occurring in late gestation, but adverse effects also occurred when mothers were exposed prior to conception.
A new study suggests that fewer people perceive e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking tobacco, dropping from 50% in 2012 to 43% in 2014. The researchers found no association between awareness of e-cigarettes and attempts at quitting among current smokers.
Research suggests e-cigarette use does not make smoking more appealing to non-smokers, but rather discourages tobacco consumption.
Research at Roswell Park and University at Buffalo found that many hookah tobacco products have inaccurate labeling regarding nicotine content. The study revealed significant variations in nicotine and pH levels among different types of tobacco, highlighting the need for standardized testing and regulation.
A new study by UNC School of Medicine found that only 49.8% of surveyed teens consider cigar warnings 'very believable', highlighting the need for improved tobacco prevention campaigns. The survey, which included 1,125 adolescents aged 13-17, suggests that graphic warnings may be more effective in engaging youth.
The Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center study estimates that tobacco control measures have saved over 22 million smoking-related lives globally. The new analysis found that increased cigarette taxes, smoke-free laws, and health warnings were key contributors to the decrease in smoking rates and related deaths.
A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania found that cigarette packaging warning labels with images of real smokers who were harmed by their habit increased quit attempts and success rates. The study, which tested pictorial warning labels, showed that these labels consistently outperformed text-only labels.
A new study found that smoking intensity and duration are crucial factors in coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Researchers discovered that smokers with longer exposure to cigarettes face a higher relative risk of heart disease compared to those who smoke the same number of cigarettes over a shorter period.
A study of over 10,000 adults and teens found that most people wrongly believe that tobacco additives are the main source of harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. In reality, the chemicals produced by burning cigarettes pose a greater risk to health.
Public health advocates from around the world are using various tactics to reduce tobacco company influence, including pension fund reform and smoke-free legislation. Efforts have shown positive impacts on public health, such as a 13% decrease in all-cause mortality in Ireland.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that long-term, low-intensity smoking is associated with a higher risk of death from all causes and lung cancer. The research also showed that former smokers who quit at a younger age had progressively lower risks of death.
A mobile app developed by researchers at the University of Oklahoma uses real-time risk estimation to predict tobacco cessation lapses, achieving an 80% accuracy rate. The app combines six questions to identify lapse-risk factors and delivers tailored messages to help smokers overcome triggers.
A new study found that people aged 70 and older who continue to smoke are more than three times as likely to die as never-smokers. Quitting smoking at any age also reduces the risk of death after age 70, with former smokers less likely to die if they quit earlier.
Research found that non-menthol flavors in most tobacco products play a vital role in how users perceive and use tobacco products. Banning these flavors could reduce tobacco product use, especially among adolescents. The study also highlights the detrimental public health impact of adolescent use of flavored tobacco products.
Plant biologists have increased crop productivity by modifying genes involved in photoprotection, allowing for more efficient use of sunlight. The study shows a 14-20% increase in modified tobacco plants, which could be applied to other crops like rice.
Researchers developed a method to increase plant productivity by boosting levels of three proteins involved in photosynthesis. In field trials, modified tobacco plants showed increases of 14-20% in productivity. The study confirms that improving photosynthesis can lead to higher crop yields.
New research found an association between e-cigarette use and persistent cough, bronchitis, and congestion in teenagers. The study suggested that even non-smoking e-cigarette users may experience respiratory symptoms, highlighting the need for further study on the long-term effects of e-cigarettes.
A new study finds that quitlines are reaching more smokers from diverse racial groups. Quitline users represent only a small percentage of tobacco users in each group, but the service can help reach underserved populations.
Sixty-nine percent of local authorities in England have reduced funding for stop-smoking services due to budget cuts. These services are crucial for smokers' successful cessation, with specialists three times more likely to help them quit.
Researchers identified distinct mutational signatures associated with tobacco smoke, including Signature 4 and Signature 5. These signatures are linked to specific types of cancer, such as lung and larynx cancers, and may be driven by a cytidine deaminase enzyme or other unknown mechanisms.
Researchers found that smoking one packet of cigarettes a day accumulates an average of 150 extra mutations in every lung cell, leading to increased cancer risk. The study also identified molecular fingerprints of DNA damage in smokers' DNA, revealing the complex mechanisms behind tobacco-related cancers.
A study identifies telltale genetic fingerprints associated with smoking tobacco, demonstrating that smoking increases cancer risk by causing somatic mutations. The research found over 20 mutational signatures linked to tobacco smoking, with some signatures elevated in cancers from smokers.
A new national consumer survey found that 44% of people under 35 believe e-cigarettes are less harmful to the lungs. Researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center are conducting two clinical studies to evaluate the health effects of e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.
Researchers found that nicotine activates neutrophils, leading to the release of inflammatory molecules and increased inflammation throughout the body. This discovery has implications for tobacco-related diseases and may suggest alternative forms of nicotine inhalation have detrimental effects.
A study by Georgia State University found that the perception of e-cigarette harm among US adults has tripled over the last few years. Adult smokers now believe e-cigarettes are equally or more harmful than traditional cigarettes, a significant increase from nearly 12% in 2012.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimates that nearly 40% of cancer deaths in men are linked to smoking, with the South experiencing the highest rates. The research suggests that weaker tobacco control policies and lower socioeconomic status contribute to these disparities.
A new study published in International Journal of Cancer found that men with prostate cancer who used snus were at increased risk of premature death. Snus users had higher levels of nicotine and exposure to carcinogens compared to never-users, suggesting a potential link between snus use and prostate cancer progression.
The research initiative presents key findings on state and community tobacco control, including smoke-free home interventions and retail policies to reduce tobacco use. The papers provide evidence-based solutions for policymakers and advocates seeking to address the complex tobacco control landscape.
A new study using a modified Smoking Analyser technology examines vaping behaviour in e-cigarette users. The results provide valuable insights into how vapers use e-cigarettes and can help establish standardized testing protocols for e-cigarette emissions.
A new study found that transgender women on hormone therapy have a higher rate of smoking cessation compared to the general population, with 64% of current smokers quitting after starting treatment. Researchers believe this may be due to the life-changing event of hormone therapy and the associated health risks.
A new study shows that smoking bans in cities and states lead to a significant reduction in the number of young people who start or continue smoking cigarettes. The study found that light smokers are more likely to give up cigarettes after a ban is implemented, while heavier smokers were not affected by the ban.
Research shows that trained nurses can significantly increase quit rates among hospital patients. The study found that patients who received coaching from a nurse had higher self-reported and lab-confirmed quit rates compared to those who did not receive similar training.
Researchers have crystallized a protein that holds answers to how nicotine addiction occurs in the brain, opening up new possibilities for developing treatments. The breakthrough may also lead to medications for certain types of epilepsy, mental illness, and dementia.
A study by Georgia State University found that college-educated smokers are more likely to use e-cigarettes as a tool to quit smoking. The survey of over 1,200 smokers revealed that those with higher education levels were more intent on quitting and attempting to stop smoking in the past year.
A recent study from the University of Cambridge found that exposure to vaping ads decreases young people's belief that occasional tobacco smoking is bad for their health. The research shows both healthy and glamorous e-cigarette adverts have a similar effect on attitudes towards smoking, making it less harmful in their minds.
Physician burnout may be linked to heavy electronic health record (EHR) use. A recent study found that doctors spend nearly two additional hours on EHRs for every hour spent directly caring for patients, contributing to their physical and mental exhaustion. The burden of EHRs is a significant concern in the medical field.
A study reveals that nicotine triggers the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which can harm tissue and contribute to conditions like COPD. The discovery provides a new link between nicotine consumption and inflammation, emphasizing the importance of quitting tobacco products.
Research reviewed 224 studies on Internet and mobile device interventions, finding improved diets, increased physical activity, and modest weight loss over 3-12 months. Programs with goal-setting, self-monitoring, and healthcare provider interactions were most effective.
Researchers found that banning tobacco sales within 1,000 feet of schools significantly reduces the number of tobacco retailers while minimizing disparities by income level and proportion of African American residents. Implementing such a ban could lead to potential health benefits for low-income communities.
A study by Stanford University researchers found that physicians provide inconsistent and varied advice on e-cigarettes to patients. The study analyzed over 500 online interactions between doctors and patients discussing e-cigarettes and identified significant knowledge gaps in the medical community.
Research on smokeless tobacco products has identified several bacteria species associated with opportunistic infections, such as Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus pumilus. These bacteria can produce toxins that cause illness in large quantities and may also contribute to the formation of carcinogenic compounds.
A recent survey of US adolescents found that most teens vape for flavorings rather than nicotine in e-cigarettes. The study suggests that efforts to curb vaping among teens focusing on nicotine may be ineffective and that alternative approaches may be more effective.
A survey of US physicians reveals they frequently discuss e-cigs with patients, recommending e-cigs as a way to reduce smoking, but cautioning against using them to quit. However, the study found that many doctors are uncertain about their knowledge of e-cigs and are often asked by patients about their use.
A commentary in CMAJ cautions against tobacco industry influence on Canada's plain packaging consultation. The authors advocate for media vigilance and government requirements to disclose conflicts of interest and ensure submissions are backed by peer-reviewed evidence.
A new study finds that inmates are using ramen noodles as a form of money due to declining prison food services, signaling a trend of punitive frugality. Inmates are trying to figure out ways to better feed themselves as services are being cut back, leading to the rise of underground economy practices.
The sequencing of the tobacco hornworm's genome marks a major milestone in understanding insect biology. The genome provides valuable insights into the insect's physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology, with potential applications in developing new methods for insect pest management.
The team's genome sequence will stimulate new research in molecular studies of insects and may lead to improved pest management methods. The sequenced genome provides insights into the tobacco hornworm's physiology, particularly its unique ability to evade insecticides.
A study found that longer distances from home to tobacco shops were associated with increased odds of quitting smoking. Smokers who walked one-third of a mile further away from their homes had a 20-60% higher chance of giving up cigarettes, according to Finnish research.
Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that high school students with psychiatric symptoms were more likely to use substances like alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. The study highlights the link between mental health issues and substance use among teenagers in Brazil.
A new study published in the American Heart Association Rapid Access Journal Report found that secondhand marijuana smoke can cause temporary damage to blood vessels, similar to tobacco smoke. Exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke lasted for at least 90 minutes, whereas tobacco smoke exposure recovered within 30 minutes.
A study published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that pregnant women with health insurance coverage had lower odds of alcohol use, while non-pregnant women with insurance had higher odds. The study also found that prenatal substance use poses significant threats to maternal and child health.
Four individuals selected for a 12-month fellowship at the FDA Center for Tobacco Products, working on tobacco-product regulation and public health strategies. The program aims to enrich fellows' understanding of tobacco products and their regulatory activities.
Researchers found that nearly all schools had at least one shop selling tobacco within a 100m radius, and marketing strategies targeting children were pervasive. Enforcement of the ban is needed to protect youth, and point-of-sale displays and advertising are urgently required in China.
People who have recently attempted to quit smoking are more likely to try to drink less alcohol. They report lower levels of alcohol consumption and are less likely to binge drink compared to other smokers. This finding goes against the common assumption that quitters tend to increase their drinking.
The development of global standards for vaping products is essential to promote innovation and protect consumers. Different regulatory approaches in the EU and US can hinder growth and stifle innovation, as noted by British American Tobacco's Head of R&D, Marina Trani.